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Friday, November 20, 2020

Despite having significant effects on the overall message of a home, intermediate spaces such as foyers, stairwells, and staircase landings don't quite get the attention they deserve. This time around, we take a closer look at these sometimes forgotten spaces and arrived at this collection of delectable imagery to inspire you and influence the creation of your own mood-board.

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Even before stepping into this home, the naive observer is informed of the decor to follow — this Zen courtyard sets the expectation for an Oriental theme saturated in monochrome and natural stone. Interior design by: Moonlit Inspiration

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Tradition requires a dramatic presentation right at the threshold of the home — a spiritual altar, a presentation of achievements, or a matching pair of ornate armchairs for the matriarch and patriarch of a large household. Interior design by: Regal Violet

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This modern entrance puts ebonised wood against natural stone, while blending a spiritual message with a physical allegory for walking on water. Interior design by: X-Dimension

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The modern equivalent to the altar is a purely thematic and decorative feature that seeks to impress rather than inform. Interior design by: Mode Interior Style

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This entryway is set apart from the rest of the home's decor with a floor composed of river pebbles and raw cement slabs contrasted against the monochromatic and modern background. Interior design by: Design Spirits

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A sunny disposition is presented in this foyer with intriguingly patterned light boxes overhead and a splash of yellow drawing focus to the lone armchair  Interior design by: ST Concepts

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Traditional motifs from the Eastern and Western hemispheres converge in an eclectic expression of opulence in the foyer of this home. Interior design by: Regal Violet

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Seamless expanses of marbled stone, stretches of reflective metal, floral elements, and hidden light sources come together to illuminate and enliven a dark alcove of this home. Interior design by: DMZ Consultancy

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Straying away from the convention of dramatic presentations at the entrance, this home presents a simplistic shelving unit to simultaneously hold decorations and Interior design by: Nice-Style Refurbishment

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A variation of the projecting shelf arises from the centre of this home's open layout, echoing the same quality of cream stone and streaked wood laminate presented in the background. Interior design by: Space Matrix

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The designer's signature blend of industrial and rustic vibes in monochrome is augmented with sunlight streaming in via the indoor courtyard. Interior design by: Nu Infinity

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The monochromatic passage into this home is rendered vaguely tropical with inviting splashes of tropical motifs and bold colours thrown into the far end of the hall. Interior design by: ID Industries

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This monochromatic foyer is rendered welcoming with the additions of a floral presentation and a trio of art panels. Interior design by: Jashen Interior

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A customisable black wall represents a rarely seen departure from convention in the foyers of modern homes. Interior design by: Surface R

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Narrow entryways are best served with floor-to-ceiling stretches of reflective panels to at once widen the perceived space and give beguiling views of whatever lies around the corner. Interior design by: SQFT Space Design Management

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Designs do not need to be ornate when working with opulent materials such as marbled stone and reflective metals. Interior design by: S/Lab 10

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Using a limited set of materials does not necessarily entail fewer options. As demonstrated here, even modern cuts of homogenous wood can be differentiated to express geometric plays of light and shadow. Interior design by: Turn Design Interior

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A simplistic interplay between the white plaster ceiling and pieces of darkly stained wood is brought to intriguing heights with the haphazard composition and a sprinkling of yellow lights. Interior design by: Nice-Style Refurbishment

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Geometric presentations of light and shadow are perhaps the most unobtrusive embellishments for modern spaces replete with marbled stone and reflective metals. Interior design by: Q1 Interior

---

The beginning of this stairway is marked by an array of disparate textures and lines in the shades of the neutral palette — held in a delicate balance around the potted plant's striking splash of green. Interior design by: Q1 Interior

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This stairway presents the darker side of the neutral palette, embellished with sources of pristine white light that sparkle like faceted jewels. Interior design by: Q1 Interior

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Even the simplest blend of materials can benefit from a generous supply of natural light, which is augmented here with plain walls and wood flooring. Interior design by: Design Base

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Keeping this staircase landing plain in terms of colors and embellishments diverts attentions to fall on the chandelier and the impressive view through the double-height windows. Interior design by: Nice-Style Refurbishment

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The epitome of contemporary luxury is painted in a strictly monochromatic palette on this staircase landing, with differing textures and contours providing points of interest for the eye to linger on. Interior design by: Regal Violet

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On the other extreme of the scale, a stairway can be turned into a decorative feature on its own — as demonstrated with this collage of monochromatic and reflective panels. Interior design by: Deep White

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A modern and monochromatic decor embellished with wood inexplicably becomes a suitably subtle background for Asiatic decorations. Interior design by: SQFT Space Design Management

---

The challenge of working with a limited set of materials is overcome with some variation in decorative motifs expressed in these homogenous materials. Interior design by: Archint

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The uncomplicated composition of this stairwell diverts attention to the intricate crown moulding and picture frames. Interior design by: DesignPreneur

---

Illumination serves a critical role in this narrow corridor of modern design — the streams and orbs of stark light embellish this relatively plain space with additional folds of intrigue. Interior design by: Design Spirits

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The view from the entrance of this bedroom presents an opulent scene composed from a warming array of wood and yellow light set against a background of stone. Interior design by: IA Interior Design

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Friday, November 20, 2020

Despite having significant effects on the overall message of a home, intermediate spaces such as foyers, stairwells, and staircase landings don't quite get the attention they deserve. This time around, we take a closer look at these sometimes forgotten spaces and arrived at this collection of delectable imagery to inspire you and influence the creation of your own mood-board.

---

Even before stepping into this home, the naive observer is informed of the decor to follow — this Zen courtyard sets the expectation for an Oriental theme saturated in monochrome and natural stone. Interior design by: Moonlit Inspiration

---

Tradition requires a dramatic presentation right at the threshold of the home — a spiritual altar, a presentation of achievements, or a matching pair of ornate armchairs for the matriarch and patriarch of a large household. Interior design by: Regal Violet

---

This modern entrance puts ebonised wood against natural stone, while blending a spiritual message with a physical allegory for walking on water. Interior design by: X-Dimension

---

The modern equivalent to the altar is a purely thematic and decorative feature that seeks to impress rather than inform. Interior design by: Mode Interior Style

---

This entryway is set apart from the rest of the home's decor with a floor composed of river pebbles and raw cement slabs contrasted against the monochromatic and modern background. Interior design by: Design Spirits

---

A sunny disposition is presented in this foyer with intriguingly patterned light boxes overhead and a splash of yellow drawing focus to the lone armchair  Interior design by: ST Concepts

---

Traditional motifs from the Eastern and Western hemispheres converge in an eclectic expression of opulence in the foyer of this home. Interior design by: Regal Violet

---

Seamless expanses of marbled stone, stretches of reflective metal, floral elements, and hidden light sources come together to illuminate and enliven a dark alcove of this home. Interior design by: DMZ Consultancy

---

Straying away from the convention of dramatic presentations at the entrance, this home presents a simplistic shelving unit to simultaneously hold decorations and Interior design by: Nice-Style Refurbishment

---

A variation of the projecting shelf arises from the centre of this home's open layout, echoing the same quality of cream stone and streaked wood laminate presented in the background. Interior design by: Space Matrix

---

The designer's signature blend of industrial and rustic vibes in monochrome is augmented with sunlight streaming in via the indoor courtyard. Interior design by: Nu Infinity

---

The monochromatic passage into this home is rendered vaguely tropical with inviting splashes of tropical motifs and bold colours thrown into the far end of the hall. Interior design by: ID Industries

---

This monochromatic foyer is rendered welcoming with the additions of a floral presentation and a trio of art panels. Interior design by: Jashen Interior

---

A customisable black wall represents a rarely seen departure from convention in the foyers of modern homes. Interior design by: Surface R

---

Narrow entryways are best served with floor-to-ceiling stretches of reflective panels to at once widen the perceived space and give beguiling views of whatever lies around the corner. Interior design by: SQFT Space Design Management

---

Designs do not need to be ornate when working with opulent materials such as marbled stone and reflective metals. Interior design by: S/Lab 10

---

Using a limited set of materials does not necessarily entail fewer options. As demonstrated here, even modern cuts of homogenous wood can be differentiated to express geometric plays of light and shadow. Interior design by: Turn Design Interior

---

A simplistic interplay between the white plaster ceiling and pieces of darkly stained wood is brought to intriguing heights with the haphazard composition and a sprinkling of yellow lights. Interior design by: Nice-Style Refurbishment

---

Geometric presentations of light and shadow are perhaps the most unobtrusive embellishments for modern spaces replete with marbled stone and reflective metals. Interior design by: Q1 Interior

---

The beginning of this stairway is marked by an array of disparate textures and lines in the shades of the neutral palette — held in a delicate balance around the potted plant's striking splash of green. Interior design by: Q1 Interior

---

This stairway presents the darker side of the neutral palette, embellished with sources of pristine white light that sparkle like faceted jewels. Interior design by: Q1 Interior

---

Even the simplest blend of materials can benefit from a generous supply of natural light, which is augmented here with plain walls and wood flooring. Interior design by: Design Base

---

Keeping this staircase landing plain in terms of colors and embellishments diverts attentions to fall on the chandelier and the impressive view through the double-height windows. Interior design by: Nice-Style Refurbishment

---

The epitome of contemporary luxury is painted in a strictly monochromatic palette on this staircase landing, with differing textures and contours providing points of interest for the eye to linger on. Interior design by: Regal Violet

---

On the other extreme of the scale, a stairway can be turned into a decorative feature on its own — as demonstrated with this collage of monochromatic and reflective panels. Interior design by: Deep White

---

A modern and monochromatic decor embellished with wood inexplicably becomes a suitably subtle background for Asiatic decorations. Interior design by: SQFT Space Design Management

---

The challenge of working with a limited set of materials is overcome with some variation in decorative motifs expressed in these homogenous materials. Interior design by: Archint

---

The uncomplicated composition of this stairwell diverts attention to the intricate crown moulding and picture frames. Interior design by: DesignPreneur

---

Illumination serves a critical role in this narrow corridor of modern design — the streams and orbs of stark light embellish this relatively plain space with additional folds of intrigue. Interior design by: Design Spirits

---

The view from the entrance of this bedroom presents an opulent scene composed from a warming array of wood and yellow light set against a background of stone. Interior design by: IA Interior Design

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Friday, November 20, 2020

In Malaysia, the local property market is one of the many industries which many Malaysians venture into as a source of investment. Over time, as the value of properties increase, many investors are on the look-out for opportunities with sellers – both independent and developers – on high alert to hopefully pocket some profit. Before sellers capitalise on this opportunity, it is always important for them to understand a property’s market value and how to find ways to increase its worth. The term ‘market value’ defines the price point a typical property would fetch under normal situations. This value is usually determined based on four aspects: external characteristics; internal features; market outlook (supply and demand); and location. As such, sellers who wish to increase the market value of their properties ought to plan ahead before they contemplate listing or engaging an agent. AkzoNobel, the leading global paints and coatings company and producer of decorative paint Dulux, shares a few affordable and easy ways to increase the market value of one’s property: 1 Light up the front lawn When walking through the streets of one’s neighbourhood, more often than not the external appeal of a property would be the first to catch one’s attention. An exterior that is warm, welcoming and structurally-sound forms a good first impression, so sellers take note: snap a digital photo of your property and look at it in black and white. When all colours are removed, you can better see the cracks in the walls and the glaring flaws. Now, the first step to exterior beautification is to make a list of simple renovation ideas such as decorating the walkway with flower pots or LED lights. Make the main door more visually-appealing with a catchy colour, so consult a professional for more ideas, or simply find interesting ideas online for reference. Repainting is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to charm passers-by. 2 Upgrade your kitchen It may sound unbelievable at first, but many real estate experts have reported that the kitchen is the number one must-upgrade item for greatest returns. According the latest Cost vs Value report from Remodelling magazine, the national data shows that a minor kitchen project may yield up to 81% returns on investment. That means for every RM100 spent on the upgrade, the home value increases by RM83 on average, which sounds like a fair deal. Here are a few tips for minor kitchen remodelling: - Change the paint. It’s simple, but it works. Keep the interior and colour scheme simple. Think neutral for wall colours, and by that we don’t mean white. Go natural and subdued. Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2018, Heart Wood, is a nice pinkish brown which adds sophistication and subtle elegance to one’s kitchen. Pair with surfaces and fixtures that are versatile, not busy or too loud. Remember, simplicity is the key. - Embrace stainless steel. Not all professional grade-models home appliances work for everyone. The key to remodelling is to appeal to the masses, so try to incorporate high quality stainless steel materials into the kitchen instead. The cold feel of steel is a hotcake for many buyers, and it will give a better return. - Add in a “Wow” factor Spruce things up a little to add that extra mile to one’s home. Consider hanging a pot rack with fresh greeneries, pans and a suspended wine bottle holder to create a modern look. Lighting, such as under-cabinet fixtures, will also add ambiance and show off the materials in the kitchen. 3 Beautify your bathroom The bathroom is the next spot to remodel, as a quick refresh can positively affect a potential buyer’s impression of the home. One way to do it is to switch up the tiles and play with textures. Beautiful tiles can be expensive, especially if a contractor is hired to lay it all out. A good budgeting tip is to limit the number of tiles used, and focus on high-impact areas only, such as flooring. A simple colour change on one of the walls could also greatly impact its overall design. By creating a feature wall with different tone, it captures the viewers’ attention almost immediately. Check out the colour range from Dulux Pentalite or Dulux EasyClean for more ideas on our renovation project. Then, choose a feature wall and give it a fresh lick of paint to add layers and dimensions to the bathroom. 4 Play with colour psychology Colours can alter a person’s mood, instil calmness, evoke happiness, and even promote appetite. Even so, most people don’t spend a lot time thinking about the effects of colour in their homes. Professional interior designers understand what colour works best for each room in a house. By matching the right colours to the specific part at home, it can instantly increase a home’s appeal to buyers. Below are some colours and its effects in different parts of the house: - Blue: This is by far the most popular colour out of the primary colours (RGB). According to science, blue slows down our metabolism and calms our mind. It is said that it also helps with lowering blood pressure and slowing down the heart rate. As such, blue is often considered the ideal colour for many homes and offices. Lighter shades will promote tranquillity, whereas, darker blue is often associated with power, knowledge, and seriousness. - Green: This is the colour of nature. Considered the most restful colour for the eye, green transcend security and harmony in design. Paring grey with pastel-like green, such as Garden Haven or Midgetgolf Green from Dulux, would create a contemporary look for the room. The colour itself is very well versatile and can be suited for almost every room in the house. - Purple: Dramatic, rich, and sophisticated are common characteristic portrayal of purple. It is often included in design scheme build for luxurious, modern homes. Lighter hues of purple, such as lavender, adds a restful quality to the bedroom. Based on research , about 75% of pre-adolescent children prefers purple over other colours. As such, it is widely popular for teenagers’ bedroom. Apart from these simple home renovation ideas, sellers could also keep a record of previous rental invoices, if any, to further justify the potential investment gain from this property. When done right, increasing one’s property value can be a hassle-free process which does not require one to break their bank. To read up on more home renovation ideas, feel free to visit Dulux website at https://www.dulux.com.my/en or reach out to a colour expert for further assistance.

Friday, November 20, 2020

It’s time to create the home of your dreams by making your first home artistically beautiful with trendy curtains, functional furniture, soothing artwork and antique pieces. Here are a few tips to buy the best furniture and other decorative essentials for furnishing and decorating your first home. 1 Make a budget and list of things First of all, make a list of required furniture and other decorative features which would add a punch of luxury and innovation to your dream home. Then check to make sure they are within your budget. 2 Choose the right colours The colour of your doors, walls, and flooring should complement each other and the design of the home. Try to balance between bold and neutral shades for a harmonious look. You can also create a dramatic impression by adding vibrant colours to cushions and curtains. 3 Make it a gradual process Never purchase everything in one go. First, check what you already have and always buy within your budget. Keep the process simple and small which is also easy to accomplish. 4 Mix and match Mix and match different materials, colours, prints and textures to give your interior spaces a unique look and personality. Browse through magazines, Pinterest images and other resources for inspiration. 5 Invest sensibly in a bed and sofa Choose your beds and sofas carefully. Always go for quality ones. Before making your purchase, remember to measure the dimensions of the corner and area where you are going to place the bed and sofa. 6 Never ignore the kitchen and bathroom Enhance your bathroom and kitchen with beautiful wall and floor tiles. You can also hang beautiful artwork on the walls and place some plants to create a refreshing ambience. Tips and images courtesy of Rebecca Dawkins, a freelance blogger. A homemaker who loves blogging, she writes about home decor, home improvement, and home maintenance.

Friday, November 20, 2020

In Malaysia, the local property market is one of the many industries which many Malaysians venture into as a source of investment. Over time, as the value of properties increase, many investors are on the look-out for opportunities with sellers – both independent and developers – on high alert to hopefully pocket some profit. Before sellers capitalise on this opportunity, it is always important for them to understand a property’s market value and how to find ways to increase its worth. The term ‘market value’ defines the price point a typical property would fetch under normal situations. This value is usually determined based on four aspects: external characteristics; internal features; market outlook (supply and demand); and location. As such, sellers who wish to increase the market value of their properties ought to plan ahead before they contemplate listing or engaging an agent. AkzoNobel, the leading global paints and coatings company and producer of decorative paint Dulux, shares a few affordable and easy ways to increase the market value of one’s property: 1 Light up the front lawn When walking through the streets of one’s neighbourhood, more often than not the external appeal of a property would be the first to catch one’s attention. An exterior that is warm, welcoming and structurally-sound forms a good first impression, so sellers take note: snap a digital photo of your property and look at it in black and white. When all colours are removed, you can better see the cracks in the walls and the glaring flaws. Now, the first step to exterior beautification is to make a list of simple renovation ideas such as decorating the walkway with flower pots or LED lights. Make the main door more visually-appealing with a catchy colour, so consult a professional for more ideas, or simply find interesting ideas online for reference. Repainting is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to charm passers-by. 2 Upgrade your kitchen It may sound unbelievable at first, but many real estate experts have reported that the kitchen is the number one must-upgrade item for greatest returns. According the latest Cost vs Value report from Remodelling magazine, the national data shows that a minor kitchen project may yield up to 81% returns on investment. That means for every RM100 spent on the upgrade, the home value increases by RM83 on average, which sounds like a fair deal. Here are a few tips for minor kitchen remodelling: - Change the paint. It’s simple, but it works. Keep the interior and colour scheme simple. Think neutral for wall colours, and by that we don’t mean white. Go natural and subdued. Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2018, Heart Wood, is a nice pinkish brown which adds sophistication and subtle elegance to one’s kitchen. Pair with surfaces and fixtures that are versatile, not busy or too loud. Remember, simplicity is the key. - Embrace stainless steel. Not all professional grade-models home appliances work for everyone. The key to remodelling is to appeal to the masses, so try to incorporate high quality stainless steel materials into the kitchen instead. The cold feel of steel is a hotcake for many buyers, and it will give a better return. - Add in a “Wow” factor Spruce things up a little to add that extra mile to one’s home. Consider hanging a pot rack with fresh greeneries, pans and a suspended wine bottle holder to create a modern look. Lighting, such as under-cabinet fixtures, will also add ambiance and show off the materials in the kitchen. 3 Beautify your bathroom The bathroom is the next spot to remodel, as a quick refresh can positively affect a potential buyer’s impression of the home. One way to do it is to switch up the tiles and play with textures. Beautiful tiles can be expensive, especially if a contractor is hired to lay it all out. A good budgeting tip is to limit the number of tiles used, and focus on high-impact areas only, such as flooring. A simple colour change on one of the walls could also greatly impact its overall design. By creating a feature wall with different tone, it captures the viewers’ attention almost immediately. Check out the colour range from Dulux Pentalite or Dulux EasyClean for more ideas on our renovation project. Then, choose a feature wall and give it a fresh lick of paint to add layers and dimensions to the bathroom. 4 Play with colour psychology Colours can alter a person’s mood, instil calmness, evoke happiness, and even promote appetite. Even so, most people don’t spend a lot time thinking about the effects of colour in their homes. Professional interior designers understand what colour works best for each room in a house. By matching the right colours to the specific part at home, it can instantly increase a home’s appeal to buyers. Below are some colours and its effects in different parts of the house: - Blue: This is by far the most popular colour out of the primary colours (RGB). According to science, blue slows down our metabolism and calms our mind. It is said that it also helps with lowering blood pressure and slowing down the heart rate. As such, blue is often considered the ideal colour for many homes and offices. Lighter shades will promote tranquillity, whereas, darker blue is often associated with power, knowledge, and seriousness. - Green: This is the colour of nature. Considered the most restful colour for the eye, green transcend security and harmony in design. Paring grey with pastel-like green, such as Garden Haven or Midgetgolf Green from Dulux, would create a contemporary look for the room. The colour itself is very well versatile and can be suited for almost every room in the house. - Purple: Dramatic, rich, and sophisticated are common characteristic portrayal of purple. It is often included in design scheme build for luxurious, modern homes. Lighter hues of purple, such as lavender, adds a restful quality to the bedroom. Based on research , about 75% of pre-adolescent children prefers purple over other colours. As such, it is widely popular for teenagers’ bedroom. Apart from these simple home renovation ideas, sellers could also keep a record of previous rental invoices, if any, to further justify the potential investment gain from this property. When done right, increasing one’s property value can be a hassle-free process which does not require one to break their bank. To read up on more home renovation ideas, feel free to visit Dulux website at https://www.dulux.com.my/en or reach out to a colour expert for further assistance.

Friday, November 20, 2020

It’s time to create the home of your dreams by making your first home artistically beautiful with trendy curtains, functional furniture, soothing artwork and antique pieces. Here are a few tips to buy the best furniture and other decorative essentials for furnishing and decorating your first home. 1 Make a budget and list of things First of all, make a list of required furniture and other decorative features which would add a punch of luxury and innovation to your dream home. Then check to make sure they are within your budget. 2 Choose the right colours The colour of your doors, walls, and flooring should complement each other and the design of the home. Try to balance between bold and neutral shades for a harmonious look. You can also create a dramatic impression by adding vibrant colours to cushions and curtains. 3 Make it a gradual process Never purchase everything in one go. First, check what you already have and always buy within your budget. Keep the process simple and small which is also easy to accomplish. 4 Mix and match Mix and match different materials, colours, prints and textures to give your interior spaces a unique look and personality. Browse through magazines, Pinterest images and other resources for inspiration. 5 Invest sensibly in a bed and sofa Choose your beds and sofas carefully. Always go for quality ones. Before making your purchase, remember to measure the dimensions of the corner and area where you are going to place the bed and sofa. 6 Never ignore the kitchen and bathroom Enhance your bathroom and kitchen with beautiful wall and floor tiles. You can also hang beautiful artwork on the walls and place some plants to create a refreshing ambience. Tips and images courtesy of Rebecca Dawkins, a freelance blogger. A homemaker who loves blogging, she writes about home decor, home improvement, and home maintenance.

Friday, November 20, 2020

As we pointed out previously in our guide on colours for the kitchen, it doesn't always have to be in white - although it usually is. This time around we take a look at a range of approaches to cabinets that will not only provide your kitchen with a different shade - but an altogether unique appearance as well.

1. Wood Wood is coming back to our homes, thanks in part to the shifting mood regarding global climate change, we have been seeing a return of both laminates and hardwood in cabinetry bearing shades of reclaimed or varnished wood to complement rustic and modern kitchens alike. The homage to this natural material does not necessarily need to be overt - even when constructed from completely synthetic materials, cabinets can be decorated with cuts or classically-inspired detailing to imply that some carpentry was involved.

Designer: Nu Infinity

2. Concrete Grey Exposed concrete is another material spotted making a resurgence, helping to create a masculine ambiance when paired with minimalist furnishings in post-industrial properties. While the use of actual concrete on cabinet doors would be impractical, the characteristic tone and blemishes of cement can be reproduced with a few coats of thinned grey paint on unvarnished wood to complement an industrial decor.

Designer: X-Two Concept

3. Glossy / Reflective Glossy cabinetry is not a new component of 21st century kitchens, having been in heavy use since the processes behind laminates have expanded to produce a wide range of finishes. Give that sheen a purpose by selecting a material with an ultra-glossy or reflective finish for your cabinets, to visually enlarge the space and bestow your kitchen with a palatable elegance.

Designer: Zanotta Studio Design and Renovation

4. Transparent Adaptable to a wide range of styles and colours, using completely transparent or frosted glass doors on your cabinets immediately turns your storage into display cases that can be completed with luxurious facility when fitted with internal lighting.

Designer: Space Living

5. Metallic We've mentioned before that serious chefs seem to gravitate towards stainless steel countertops, and we are just as certain about their receptiveness to steel cabinetry. The clean and durable look and feel of steel lends itself well to post-industrial interiors, providing a greater measure of modern elegance than cement in the seamless welded joints and folded laps of steel sheeting.

Designer: Archicentre

6. Underfoot Lighting We have all probably seen the use of LED strips embedded beneath upper cabinets to illuminate countertops, but you probably have not seen that same form of fixture being used beneath lower cabinets to light the floor. More mood lighting than task lighting, these LED strips introduce a dose of glam into what would be otherwise bland spaces.

Designer: Jashen Interior Design Click here to see more kitchens!

Friday, November 20, 2020

Space is valuable, but that won't stop some of us filling out our small spaces - and we've all probably experienced regret at one point or another when over-estimating shapes and sizes. To help you plan your ideal dining setting to serve your needs without cramping your style, we gathered the best design ideas for compact dining spaces here.

1 Against the Wall Probably the first thing you would try with an existing dining set in your small space is to push the table up against a wall. You would be gaining additional space with the sacrifice of seating at one of the heads of the table, but when making do with a small area one must be willing to give up certain formalities in favour of comfortable passageways.

A dining set in this arrangement also serves as a form of separation between spaces. Designer: Surface R

2 Bench Seating If setting your dining table against the wall doesn't free up the kind of space you imagined, consider forgoing formality entirely by replacing some or all of your dining chairs with benches instead. Benches make for a more casual setting and do not require as much space as individual dining chairs, however some sideways shimmying and impromptu leg raises would be needed to get diners to slide in and out of position at the table.

What this arrangement lacks in formality, it more than makes up for in the extra width of the passageway. Designer: Surface R

3 Restaurant-Style Banquette Seating Instead of setting the short edge of your dining table against the wall, conserve more space by aligning the long edge with a wall or divider and exchanging some dining chairs on the narrower side for a bench. Without the need for additional space for pulling out chairs, this arrangement occupies even less space and can be located in shared spaces such as a dry kitchen or an open layout living space to create a dining nook.

An intimate space is formed out of a square dining table, a pair of armless dining chairs, and a customised bench occupying the corner. Designer: M Innovative Builders   A variation of the dining nook is held in the centre of this open layout, with a bench formed out of a projection from the dividing wall. Designer: Jashen Interior Design

4 Conjoined Surfaces In our previous study of kitchen islands, we observed how joining dining tables to kitchen islands can expand your hosting capabilities, and combining them into a Teppanyaki-style setting can save space. If you have a kitchen island, consider having dining and kitchen share surfaces, or join them together to make the most of your small space.

Combine the dry kitchen with the dining space by joining a table with your island. Designer: Nu Infinity  

5 Narrow Dining Tables If central placement and more formal settings are required of your dining experience, consider selecting a narrow dining table. As we discovered in our guide on choosing dining tables, surfaces shaped as skinny rectangles are most visually appealing in long and narrow spaces.

The use of a long and narrow surface in this dining area conserves the sense of space. Designer: Nice-Style Refurbishment

6 Round Dining Tables As we've pointed out before, circular dining surfaces are a more economical shape when hosting six or more diners with adequate elbow room - any less than that and a round table may seem overly large and imposing in tight quarters. If you forsee only small gatherings at dinners, stick with square tables instead - or sacrifice the extra elbow room for a small pedestal table.

A dining surface of any other shape and hosting the same number of seats would not be  aesthetically pleasing, if it is at all possible, in a tight corner such as this. Designer: Mode Interior Style   A smaller round table is a viable solution for tight spaces, albeit with fewer seats and the sacrifice of ample elbow room. Designer: Bazarbayu

7 Unifying Style The decorative approaches that seem to work best in tight quarters - minimalist designs and monochromatic or pale shades should be applied in a cohesive manner to tie distinct spaces together. Especially in open layouts, individual areas will seem less imposing with only the most sutble of distinctions existing between living and dining spaces.

The minimalist style and monochromatic palette extends beyond the dining space, ensuring that it is subtly integrated with the rest of the home. Designer: The Roof

8 Transluscent Furniture Instead of falling back on designs in minimalist style, a monochromatic palette, or even pastel shades to make your dining room seem more spacious, consider seeking out transluscent furniture to pair with the reflective finishes of a modern or glam décor. The completely see-through furnishings will help to maintain an illusion of space when combined with wide windows or ample lighting.

The presence of this dining table is obscured by its transparent form letting light pass through it, rendering the lower half almost invisible. Designer: GDY Design & Construction   These dining chairs are nearly imperceptible, having been formed out of clear plastic and presented under direct light. Designer: Archicentre Read about putting together some delectable centerpiece arrangements on your dining table here.

Friday, November 20, 2020

As living rooms are among the busiest spaces in a typical family home, most of us will eventually find ourselves swamped by an assortment of unintended decorations.

Don't wait until folks come over to visit before shovelling that mess out of sight. Keep your clutter in check while prominently displaying your prized decorations by including some of these nifty storage ideas in the living room.

1. Furniture With Drawers The simplest way to add more storage space, at least without drilling any holes in the wall of your living room, is by selecting furnishings that come with drawers. A coffee table with discrete cabinet handles or a long console with ample drawers would be able to contain the clutter that typically accumulates on the coffee tables of family homes. Designer: Jashen Interior Design

2. Shelving Feature Wall Rather than having a purely decorative feature wall occupying usable wall space in your living room, consider incorporating shelving into the design of the wall decoration. Horizontal lines are abudant in these decorative fixtures - often used to create space-enlarging illusions; these surfaces could be easily converted into shelving with the addition of vertically oriented panels to support the weight of books.

Designer: ID Industries

3. Surround the Television As we have mentioned previously, inundating your television in horizontal lines for shelving can serve to camouflage the screen against a backdrop of assorted decorations on display. The space on most walls around the television tends to be left empty in reverence to the screen, creating opportunities for shelving to be added.

Designer: Latitude Design

4. Practical Walls Let's face it, walls are boring - but before taking out walls to aim for an open layout, consider replacing non-load bearing walls with dedicated shelving instead. With shelving in place of walls you get extra storage and display space in an area that has the airiness of an open layout, but with physical forms of separation cozily enclosing the living room with clean demarcating lines.

Designer: Beata Home and Office Furniture

5. Alcoves in Walls If the wall you wanted to take out leads to an immediate confrontation with your neighbour - or if it is load-bearing, consider cutting an alcove out of the wall instead. Just be sure to check with engineers to ensure that your alcove is adequately large for storage but small enough that the wall retains its supportive capability. If structural considerations do not permit cutting directly into the wall, build up a false wall or a facade to the depth that would accommodate your decorations.

Designer: Pocket Square

Friday, November 20, 2020

When people design a room’s décor, window treatments usually aren’t the main focus. But when it comes to bedroom décor, the type of window treatment you favour can have huge implications on how the room functions. Some people, for example, struggle to sleep when there’s too much light in their room; decorating a room to be both stylish and functional can be a challenge. With that said, there are plenty of options when it comes to window treatments and they can provide a wonderful complement to your existing décor. The key is finding what style suits you. Silk Drapes or Curtains Drapes and curtains are very similar except drapes tend to be made of a heavier material than curtains. This is one reason that drapes are used in the bedroom more than curtains – to prevent too much light from coming in. Heavier silk drapes are often used in bedrooms because they can add a touch of elegance as well as a true focal point to the room. It’s functional as well, considering the drapes can be pulled closed at night to screen out light and opened during the day. You can also dress it up even further with tassels and pull-backs. Sheers with Opaque Drapes When you combine sheers and opaque draperies, you get the best of two worlds. Sheers are made of a translucent polyester or gauzy cotton. They can add a bit of privacy during the day and provide an ethereal atmosphere; at night, the opaque draperies in a heavy fabric can provide a heavy curtain to block light from a street lamp and to block noise from traffic. Shades Shades are very popular throughout the home, and they come in a wide variety of colours and styles. A shade is usually attached to a rod or frame, is made of a material that is cut to fit the window and can be lifted with a pulley. Shades are a great item to get creative with and to add a pop of personality to your room. Blinds Blinds are probably the most common form of window treatment. This type of window treatment is made with slats of plastic, wood, or metal that run either horizontally or vertically. They are often used in the bedroom because they are a cheap way to conveniently provide privacy while also letting sunlight through. There are some truly unique blinds available as well. Valances, Swags, and Cascades If you’re the type of person who enjoys a more eclectic design, valances, swags, and cascades are a phenomenal choice. They add decorative fabric to the top of window treatments, adding an ornate personality to your dressings. Depending on the fabric you choose, they can provide much different statements to your room. They can be combined with sheers, drapes, and shades or blinds. Valances can also be made with widely varying fabrics. There are plenty of combinations available to dress up your bedroom windows – and there truly is no “best” when personal tastes are at the forefront of the argument. With that said, these different styles of window dressings can be changed in color and fabric to suit nearly any taste you might have while also offering an easy convenience to your home. Alex Briggs is a contributing author for Absolute Home Solutions.